STAND. COM. REP. NO. 145

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 378

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Housing, to which was referred S.B. No. 378 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish a working group within the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to identify existing mixed-use developments in Maui County that could be acquired by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation for use as affordable housing and commercial rental leases; and

(2) Require a report to the Legislature.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and Maui Chamber of Commerce.

Your Committee finds that, following the 2023 Maui wildfires, there is a pressing need to develop housing in Maui County to ensure adequate housing inventory. Mixed-use development projects often combine housing, office, retail, medical, recreational and industrial components, meaning residents can live near where they work and play, creating vibrant communities and reducing traffic congestion. Establishment of a working group will provide housing agencies in Maui County with critical data and insight to expeditiously develop necessary housing units while maintaining commercial spaces that support local businesses.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 378 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Housing,

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STANLEY CHANG, Chair